Proposition 8 Battle Gets Ugly

Man Arrested After Confrontation

POSTED: 5:52 pm EST November 2, 2008
UPDATED: 5:59 pm EST November 2, 2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- At least one man was arrested Saturday night in Sacramento as dozens of people squared off in the rain on street corners to voice their opinion on the issue of Proposition 8, police said.

KCRA reported that passionate supporters and detractors of Prop. 8, a measure that would ban same-sex marriage in California, took a stand.

"I have been out here since 10 in the morning, fighting for what's right," said Vadimatama Nyuk, a supporter of Proposition 8.

"It's kind of sad how many people are out here preaching hate," said Sara Stone, an opponent of the measure.

Police said some confrontations got out of hand.

Vitaliy Bruyev, 36, was arrested Saturday in connection with fights with people on both sides of the debate.

Bruyev was charged with resisting arrest and battery on a police officer, Citrus Heights police said.

Home video shot by a witness showed Bruyev yelling "Yes on Prop. 8."

The witness who took the footage said people who were rallying for the proposition tried to block her camera with their signs.

On Sunday, Citrus Heights police set up a command post in hopes of containing the altercation, officials said.